At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage our school farm and create engaging lessons on agriculture and animal care.
- Company: Crowdys Hill School, a vibrant special school in Swindon.
- Benefits: Supportive staff, small class sizes, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a caring community dedicated to learning and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working with adorable animals.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in farming or animal care.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Crowdys Hill School is a dynamic and expanding special school for pupils in the Swindon area and beyond. We have over 340 pupils on roll, ranging from 5-19 years of age. All our students have moderate or severe learning difficulties and social communication difficulties. Some have autism, ADHD or other more complex needs.
At Crowdys Hill we teach our students both in and out of the classroom and we are seeking a teacher for our onsite School Farm which includes alpacas, miniature goats and donkeys as well as chickens, ducks, an aviary and other smaller animals. You will oversee the day-to-day management and operation of the school farm and outdoor classroom provision as well as designing, developing, and delivering an engaging and meaningful curriculum focused on agriculture, animal care, farm life, sustainability, outdoor learning, and careers within the land‑based sector, aligned with the school's curriculum vision "Learning for Life" and development plans.
Your Experience
Our person specification in the application pack contains the full areas of skills and experience we require, but it is important to us that you feel comfortable and confident in your role. Although you may not have all the skills we are looking for there are some essential features our appointee will need to have, and these include:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent qualification.
- Be able to demonstrate knowledge and practical experience of working within a farm, agricultural, animal care or land‑based environment.
- Have a strong working knowledge of animal nutrition, husbandry and welfare practices.
What we can offer you in return
- An excellent supportive staff committed to achieving exceptionally ambitious standards.
- An interesting, diverse and exciting career.
- Caring, fun pupils that enjoy coming to school to learn.
- A strong CPD programme.
- Small class sizes to allow you to give more time and individual attention to pupils.
- Opportunities for future professional development.
- Strong ethos and a commitment to collaborative working.
- A sense of achievement at the end of every day.
- After completing a successful probation period of 6 months you will be entitled to join our Health Care Scheme run by Vitality.
This role is unsuitable for ECTs unless you will have finished your training by September 2026.
Safeguarding and Equality
Crowdys Hill School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are subject to background checks, an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure and employment checks. We are an equal opportunity employer and all applicants will be considered without regard to race, gender, age, disability or any other protected characteristic.
Farm Teacher at Crowdys Hill School in Swindon employer: AgHires
Crowdys Hill School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where teachers can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with diverse needs. Located in Swindon, the school provides unique opportunities for professional development, small class sizes for personalised attention, and a strong commitment to staff wellbeing, including access to a health care scheme after a successful probation period. Join us to inspire and educate in a dynamic setting that values creativity and outdoor learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Teacher at Crowdys Hill School in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its ethos! Research Crowdys Hill School, its values, and the unique environment they provide for their pupils. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on experience! When discussing your background, highlight any practical work you've done in farming or animal care. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with animals or taught others about agriculture – this will resonate well with the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your teaching style! Prepare a mini-lesson or activity that showcases how you would engage students in outdoor learning. This could be a fun way to illustrate your creativity and passion for teaching in a farm setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter and making a difference in the lives of these amazing pupils.
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Teacher at Crowdys Hill School in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Teaching:Let us see your enthusiasm for teaching and working with special needs students. Share experiences that highlight your commitment to making learning engaging and meaningful, especially in an outdoor setting like our school farm.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail any experience you have in agriculture, animal care, or working in a land-based environment. We want to know how your background aligns with the unique needs of our school farm and the curriculum we offer.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Show us how you fit into our vision of 'Learning for Life' and how you can contribute to our community.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Crowdys Hill School!
How to prepare for a job interview at AgHires
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the animals you'll be working with. Understand their care, nutrition, and behaviour. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've managed or cared for animals in the past will show your passion and expertise.
✨Engage with the Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the school's curriculum vision 'Learning for Life'. Think about how you can integrate farm life and outdoor learning into engaging lessons. Prepare some ideas or activities that align with this vision to share during your interview.
✨Show Your Teaching Style
Be ready to demonstrate your teaching approach, especially how you adapt to meet the needs of students with moderate to severe learning difficulties. Share examples of how you've successfully engaged students in hands-on learning experiences, particularly in an outdoor or farm setting.
✨Highlight Your Team Spirit
Crowdys Hill School values collaborative working, so be prepared to discuss how you work well in a team. Share experiences where you've collaborated with colleagues to achieve common goals, especially in educational or agricultural settings.
